Full STEAM Ahead for Girls
“We’re all human so we should be treated equally.”
Those are the thoughts of two of the more than 50 girls who spent the day with Stanley Black & Decker mentors at the Silverstone University Technical College in the United Kingdom to learn about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.
The mission of the day: Encourage students to consider STEAM careers as well as inspiring the next generations of female leaders in this field.
The event was organized in collaboration with our partner greenlight for girls (g4g) and Envision Virgin Racing. g4g is dedicated to inspiring girls of all ages and backgrounds to pursue STEM subjects – by introducing them to the world of science in fun and exciting ways. The non-profit organization has reached more than 31,000 girls by holding over 200 g4g events in six continents across the world.
The full day of activities included a panel discussion on the positive benefits of acquiring STEAM skills – in particular for girls, who are traditionally under-represented in STEM studies and careers. The girls also met inspiring female role models during the day, including Lucy Feaver from Envision Virgin Racing and Sian Ebsworth, Associate Systems Engineer at McLaren, who provided insights into their fascinating careers.
Each student was given the chance to participate in an array of interactive and hands-on workshops exploring subjects such as chemistry, robotics and welding, as well as a visit to the Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Garage, where students experienced “a day in the life of racing” and discovered how skilled technicians and engineers work behind-the-scenes with Stanley Black & Decker tools to maintain the team’s leading position in the Formula E Championship.
“Wherever g4g is able to conduct an event around the world, we see how profoundly interested girls are in STEM. Our goal is to capture that interest and encourage girls to think about the possibilities of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to build a future talent pipeline of female STEM leaders worldwide,” said Melissa Rancourt, Founder & Board President of g4g. “Working with Stanley Black & Decker is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that science and technology are part of any career path they may choose to follow. Together, we can work together to inspire the next generation to look ahead to their future – and to know that, ‘Anything is Possible’.”
Each participant received her own personal certificate of achievement, and prizes were awarded to those who made an outstanding contribution.
Today, there are 10 million manufacturing jobs around the world that remain unfilled due to the skills gap. As a global manufacturing leader, we are committed to empowering 10 million makers by 2030, and our aim is to accomplish this by ensuring that our own workers, those in surrounding communities and young people around the world can gain appropriate practical skills and secure sustainable careers.
Learn more about our initiative to empower 10 million makers and creators by 2030
